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Related Experiment Videos

Exercise and pregnancy.

R Artal1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles.

Clinics in Sports Medicine
|April 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Moderate exercise during pregnancy is generally safe for most women. Continued physical activity can lead to healthier weight management and potentially better labor experiences, with exercise also serving as a therapy for gestational diabetes.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Pregnancy is often perceived as a state requiring confinement, limiting physical activity.
  • Theoretical risks of exercise during pregnancy exist for both mother and fetus.
  • Limited data exists on the comparative pregnancy outcomes of active versus sedentary women.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current literature on the safety and effects of exercise during pregnancy.
  • To assess the impact of moderate exercise on maternal and fetal outcomes.
  • To evaluate exercise as a therapeutic intervention in pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature on exercise in pregnancy.
  • Analysis of findings regarding maternal weight, weight gain, and fetal birth weight.

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  • Evaluation of studies on physical activity levels throughout pregnancy.
  • Assessment of data on labor pain tolerance and gestational diabetes management.

    • Main Results:

    • Women exercising pre-pregnancy and continuing during pregnancy tended to have lower weight gain and smaller babies.
    • Physical activity generally decreases as pregnancy progresses, irrespective of initial levels.
    • Physically active women may experience better tolerance to labor pain.
    • Exercise is a safe and effective alternative therapy for gestational diabetes.

    Conclusions:

    • Moderate exercise during pregnancy is safe for most women.
    • Cardiovascular and muscular fitness can be maintained during pregnancy.
    • Physical activity restrictions should be based solely on medical and obstetric indications.
    • Healthcare providers should counsel pregnant women on exercise risks and benefits, providing individualized recommendations.